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NBA · Final

Cavaliers Dominate Pistons in Decisive Game 5 Victory

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers52-30
125
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons60-22
94

Sunday, May 17, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena

Cleveland Cavaliers 125, Detroit Pistons 94, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons?

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit Pistons 125-94 at Little Caesars Arena on May 17, 2026.

Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons?

Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.

In a decisive Game 5, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their strength by defeating the Detroit Pistons 125-94 at Little Caesars Arena, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the fifth game in a tightly contested series that was tied at 2-2 before this encounter. The Cavaliers' performance not only highlighted their offensive prowess but also underscored their ability to capitalize on the Pistons' weaknesses.

The Cavaliers entered the game with a solid away record of 52-30 and had been performing well in their last ten games, holding a record of 7-3 with an average of 121.8 points scored and 119.0 points allowed. They had recently won against the Washington Wizards, scoring 130 points in their last outing. The Pistons, on the other hand, boasted a home record of 60-22 and had been strong at home, winning 4 out of their last 5 games with an average of 122.2 points scored and 109.6 points allowed. However, their recent form was marred by a lackluster performance in this critical game.

The Cavaliers' victory was characterized by a strong offensive display, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Pistons significantly. Key plays included Daniss Jenkins making crucial free throws and Keon Ellis hitting a long three-pointer, contributing to the Cavaliers' commanding lead. The Pistons struggled to keep pace, and their inability to respond effectively to the Cavaliers' scoring onslaught was evident.

Historically, the Cavaliers had a slight edge in their head-to-head meetings, with the Pistons holding a record of 3-5 against them in their last eight encounters over the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The last few games had seen both teams exchange victories, but Cleveland's recent form and confidence were palpable in this game.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the implications of player health and availability often play a crucial role in such high-stakes matchups. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Pistons were favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 204.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive game. However, the outcome proved otherwise, with the Cavaliers exceeding expectations and delivering a decisive blow.

The conditions at Little Caesars Arena were typical for a playoff atmosphere, with fans eager to support their home team. However, the Cavaliers quickly silenced the crowd with their efficient scoring and strong defense. As the game progressed, it became clear that the Pistons were unable to mount a comeback, with their scoring dwindling in the face of Cleveland's relentless offense.

Viewers were treated to a display of skill and strategy, with the Cavaliers demonstrating their ability to execute plays under pressure. The Pistons, while having had a strong season overall, faced challenges in this game that will need addressing as they look to rebound in the next matchup. The Cavaliers' victory not only shifts the momentum in their favor but also sets the stage for what could be a thrilling conclusion to this playoff series.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsDET -4.5 204.5 o -110 / u -110 Cleveland Cavaliers +160 · Detroit Pistons -192

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • PointsDaniss Jenkins17Detroit Pistons
  • AssistsDaniss Jenkins5Detroit Pistons
  • ReboundsJalen Duren9Detroit Pistons
  • PointsDonovan Mitchell26Cleveland Cavaliers
  • AssistsDonovan Mitchell8Cleveland Cavaliers
  • ReboundsEvan Mobley12Cleveland Cavaliers

Recent form

Detroit Pistons

Last 10: 8-2Streak W3119.9 scored · 108.1 allowed per game4-0 at home

  • W133-121at Indiana PacersApr 12
  • W118-100at Charlotte HornetsApr 10
  • W137-111vs Milwaukee BucksApr 8
  • L107-123at Orlando MagicApr 6
  • W116-93at Philadelphia 76ersApr 4
  • W113-108vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 2
  • W127-116vs Toronto RaptorsApr 1
  • L110-114at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 31
  • W109-87at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 28
  • W129-108vs New Orleans PelicansMar 26

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W1121.8 scored · 119 allowed per game3-2 away

  • W130-117vs Washington WizardsApr 12
  • L102-124at Atlanta HawksApr 10
  • W122-116vs Atlanta HawksApr 8
  • W142-126at Memphis GrizzliesApr 7
  • W117-108vs Indiana PacersApr 5
  • W118-111at Golden State WarriorsApr 3
  • L113-127at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
  • W122-113at Utah JazzMar 31
  • W149-128vs Miami HeatMar 27
  • L103-120vs Miami HeatMar 25

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Detroit-22W3.73260
Cleveland830W1.63452
Milwaukee2850L1.39032
Chicago2951L2.37831
Indiana4163L2.23219

Box score

StatCleveland CavaliersDetroit Pistons
Field goals43-8530-85
Field goal %5135
Three-pointers11-3412-39
Three-point %3231
Free throws28-4422-29
Free throw %6476
Rebounds5041
Offensive rebounds1410
Defensive rebounds3631
Assists3121
Steals107
Blocks45
Turnovers1114
Team turnovers21
Technical fouls11
Technical fouls, total11
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers1722
Fast-break points1211
Points in the paint5834
Fouls2231
Largest lead351
Lead changes22
Time in front971

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter85-66Donovan Mitchell makes 4-foot two point shot
  2. 3rd Quarter85-69Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three pointer (Paul Reed assists)
  3. 3rd Quarter88-69Sam Merrill makes 27-foot three pointer (Donovan Mitchell assists)
  4. 3rd Quarter90-69Donovan Mitchell makes two point shot (James Harden assists)
  5. 3rd Quarter92-69Donovan Mitchell makes driving layup
  6. 3rd Quarter93-69Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
  7. 3rd Quarter95-69Donovan Mitchell makes 22-foot step back jumpshot (Dennis Schroder assists)
  8. 3rd Quarter95-72Marcus Sasser makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tobias Harris assists)
  9. 3rd Quarter95-73Caris LeVert makes free throw 2 of 2
  10. 3rd Quarter97-73Donovan Mitchell makes two point shot
  11. 3rd Quarter99-73Evan Mobley makes 3-foot dunk (James Harden assists)
  12. 4th Quarter100-73Sam Merrill makes technical free throw
  13. 4th Quarter102-73Dennis Schroder makes driving layup (Sam Merrill assists)
  14. 4th Quarter104-73Sam Merrill makes running layup
  15. 4th Quarter105-73Evan Mobley makes free throw 1 of 2
  16. 4th Quarter106-73Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
  17. 4th Quarter106-75Daniss Jenkins makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
  18. 4th Quarter108-75James Harden makes 5-foot layup (Evan Mobley assists)
  19. 4th Quarter110-75Max Strus makes 3-foot layup (Evan Mobley assists)
  20. 4th Quarter110-76Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  21. 4th Quarter110-77Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
  22. 4th Quarter110-80Marcus Sasser makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jalen Duren assists)
  23. 4th Quarter111-80Evan Mobley makes free throw 2 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter114-80Max Strus makes 23-foot running jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
  25. 4th Quarter114-81Cade Cunningham makes technical free throw
  26. 4th Quarter115-81Max Strus makes free throw 1 of 2
  27. 4th Quarter116-81Max Strus makes free throw 2 of 2
  28. 4th Quarter116-83Tolu Smith makes 3-foot reverse layup (Daniss Jenkins assists)
  29. 4th Quarter116-86Ronald Holland II makes 27-foot three point jumper (Chaz Lanier assists)
  30. 4th Quarter118-86Evan Mobley makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Donovan Mitchell assists)
  31. 4th Quarter118-87Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter118-88Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
  33. 4th Quarter118-89Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  34. 4th Quarter118-90Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
  35. 4th Quarter118-91Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  36. 4th Quarter118-92Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
  37. 4th Quarter118-94Tolu Smith makes driving layup (Daniss Jenkins assists)
  38. 4th Quarter120-94Craig Porter Jr. makes layup (Thomas Bryant assists)
  39. 4th Quarter123-94Keon Ellis makes 26-foot three point jumper
  40. 4th Quarter125-94Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes 4-foot running dunk (Craig Porter Jr. assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.

Venue

  • Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
  • Attendance20062
  • OfficialsBrent Barnaky, Marc Davis, Kevin Scott, Ben Taylor

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.